Ultrafast Protein Determinations Using Microwave Enhancement

Abstract

In this chapter, we describe modifications of existing protein assays that take advantage of microwave irradiation to reduce assay incubation times from the standard 15-60 min down to just seconds (1). Adaptations based on two standard protein assays will be described:

• 1. The classic method of Lowry et al. (ref. 2 and see Chapter 2), which involves intensification of the biuret reaction through the addition of Folin-Ciocalteau phenol reagent; and

• 2. The recently developed method of Smith et al. (3), which involves intensification of the biuret assay through the addition of bicinchoninic acid (BCA) (see Chapter 3).